Cloth Diapers Anyone?!

MNOpea

He was almost 8 actually! But they just didn't fit correctly no matter how small I made the elastic. Most newborn diapers (of any brand) don't work until closer to 12lbs from what I've gathered

amackattack

Thanks for the info I'm definitely picking your  brain on this. I've already sent the fuzzi bunz link to my MIL because she offered to buy us a few but I think we'll split the remaining we need to buy between 2 or so other brands. So did you use disposable diapers for the first 2 months?

MNOpea

Lcgroenewe said:

Thanks for the info I'm definitely picking your  brain on this. I've already sent the fuzzi bunz link to my MIL because she offered to buy us a few but I think we'll split the remaining we need to buy between 2 or so other brands. So did you use disposable diapers for the first 2 months?

I would also recommend looking for bst pages on Facebook for different brands of diapers, that way you can try a few brands for cheaper than buying new. Then once you know what you really like you can buy new or continue to buy used. We did use disposables the first couple months with DS. I'm not sure what the plan is this time, we may be getting some nb diapers or we might just use disposables again, haven't decided yet. I know a lot of people who did prefolds and covers with their newborn until they fit in os diapers, and I have also heard some good things about lil joeys and other brands of newborn diapers

MNOpea

MommyWaldron said:

@Lcgroenewe My friend that cloth diapers suggested that I buy a few different brands/types, about 7 to start out with, and get a feel for what we like.,, Of course laundry would have to be more frequent since we only have 7. Then once we know what we prefer, complete the stash (24ish). She used disposables for the 1st month. Another friend of mine suggested newborn prefolds and covers for newborns, and then using the one size, or sized if you are going that route, after the newborn stage. Just thought I'd share what I've been told. =]

I would suggest at least 12 diapers to start. 7 will only last you about half a day! That's A LOT of laundry

chickpea912

I've used a good number of different pocket diapers (Fuzzibunz, Rumparooz, Bumgenius, Blueberry), and my favorites are Bumgenius and Blueberry.  I found the one-size didn't do well for us until 10-12 pounds.

katekat8721

Bump!

whoberry

@emotionlotion I am a FTM so no personal experience but my favorite bloggers cloth diapered. They did this really helpful post that talks about where they store them, washing (they have a front loader) etc. https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/08/the-much-requested-cloth-diaper-post/

Reading their post was what got me interested in CDing.

katekat8721

whoberry said:

@emotionlotion I am a FTM so no personal experience but my favorite bloggers cloth diapered. They did this really helpful post that talks about where they store them, washing (they have a front loader) etc. https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/08/the-much-requested-cloth-diaper-post/

Reading their post was what got me interested in CDing.

@whoberry that's it, we are soul sisters. YHL is what got me interested in CDing too lol. I think John posted the link to their diaper sprayer in a post somewhere.

lifeisbetteronthered

We go 2-3 days between washes, and actually have enough diapers to go a week (it can become an addiction).  We use a plastic garbage pail with a wetbag.  We don't use the lid, because with the lid it stunk so much more.  A think a well aired laundry basket would probably work well.  In our experience, the more air circulation around the dirty diapers, the less stinky they are.

We use AMP OS Duos, and love them.  Haven't ever had a blow out, and very rarely leaks (usually when we are too slow or fast to go up a size).  We love that we can customize the absorbancy, because we have gradually had to increase it over the year (started just using a booster, then an insert, and now an insert & booster).  They started fitting our skinny legged girl from just under 10 lbs.  Initially we were using them as AI2s and didn't understand what all the fuss about pockets was about.  Then our little girl started to move, and only allow us seconds to get a diaper on her.  Pockets have been a life saver as, once they are stuffed (which I do once a week), they really are just as easy as a disposable.

For the other bits and bobs:

1. Diaper cream: we love love love Delish Yum Bum Butter, especially the Therapeutic Blend
2. Wipes: I made our cloth wipes.  $6 of cheep terry cloth and 1 hr or a zig zag stitch later and we had 50 wipes that we are still using 1 year later.
3. Detergent: we use Tide.  Haven't had any troubles.
4. Drying: we dry our inserts, boosters and wipes in the dryer, and hang our covers, bags, etc (anything with PUL) to dry in our basement.  Bought a cheap clothes hanger for this purpose so we can hang 24 covers and it only takes up a bit of space.
5. Poop: BF poop goes straight in the machine, easy peasy.  FF or "food" poop goes into the toilet (and there are nearly as many ways to get it there as there are CDers: spray, liner, swish, spatula, etc).  Of all the gross things baby will throw at you, you will quickly consider this NBD.
6. Wash routine: once you get yours figured out, you're set.  It is generally a rinse, wash, and rinse or two.  It is true that front loaders don't add as much water, and so generally don't do as good a job of rinsing.  We've only ever used one, so maybe we don't know any better, but haven't found it too tough to figure out how to make it work (without adding extra water each time).

lifeisbetteronthered

And as a cute aside.  DD had a bit of a rash last week, so we used disposables for a couple of days so we could use the zinc cream (we had run out of our usual Delish, which cleared it right up when it arrived).  CD provides my baby with a bit of extra padding as she is learning to walk.  The first time she sat herself down on her 'sposie covered bum with any force she had such a shocked look on her face.  DD would vote for cloth while learning to stand/walk.

whoberry

katekat8721 said:

whoberry said:

@emotionlotion I am a FTM so no personal experience but my favorite bloggers cloth diapered. They did this really helpful post that talks about where they store them, washing (they have a front loader) etc. https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/08/the-much-requested-cloth-diaper-post/

Reading their post was what got me interested in CDing.

@whoberry that's it, we are soul sisters. YHL is what got me interested in CDing too lol. I think John posted the link to their diaper sprayer in a post somewhere.

@katekat8721 Yay!  Another YHL fan!  It's exciting that Sherry is pregnant at the same time as us.  Their new nursery looks like it's going to be pretty awesome. I was checking out their crib too but DH didn't like it.

stephpaez

@chickpea912 Thanks for all the helpful insight on CD. I used disposable with my older (now 9 yr old) child but are willing to give this a try. I read in an earlier reply that you like the blueberry and bumgenius but after baby is 10lbs. What did you use when baby was a NB?

Anyone else have NB CD suggestions?

chickpea912

When M was a nb, I used Kissaluv size 0 fitteds with covers,with a few Bumgenius xs all in ones. This time I might play with a few prefolds, I plan on picking up some Blueberry Simplex nb (heard really good things), a few Bumgenius xs AIOs, and the fitteds.

lifeisbetteronthered

When DD was a NB we used either AMP insert (or sometimes just a booster), and bummies covers. We tried snappies, but hated them.

Sareynoo

I'm looking into Thirsties diaper covers, they have great reviews on amazon. We will get 12xsize 1 and 12x size 2, an epic shit ton of prefolds in both sizes, 50x grovia wash cloths (to use as wipes). Is it worth it to get newborn sizes (even though size 1 fits 6-18 pounds)?

gregsgurl81304

I really want to.  We tried with DS, but we moved so much, and traveled so often that it was hard to keep up with it, and it was so convient to use the disposables. DH does not like CD at all, so I think I will use them during the day, and use disposables at night and when we go out.

stephpaez

Thanks ladies!

jc51206

We have a great store in Wisconsin that holds cloth diapering classes and when DS was on the way, we chose Thirsties Duos pocket diapers.  He was in sposies until about 5 weeks because they cloth seemed too bulky for him.  We loved the Thirsties and they are made in the U.S., so that was a huge bonus.  They are the kind of pockets that are open on both ends, so the inserts work their way out in the wash--nicer for us than having to pull out the inserts.  We sometimes did cloth wipes and I plan to do more with that this time around--I have some thick flannel wipes on my list.  The only downfall is that in the size 1 diapers, I have to stuff them after the wash because my husband's hands are too big. 

chickpea912

Sareynoo said:

I'm looking into Thirsties diaper covers, they have great reviews on amazon. We will get 12xsize 1 and 12x size 2, an epic shit ton of prefolds in both sizes, 50x grovia wash cloths (to use as wipes). Is it worth it to get newborn sizes (even though size 1 fits 6-18 pounds)?

You likely don't need that many covers - just a heads up.  I only ever had 2 or 3, and if I had to give someone advice, I'd say 4-6.  If they aren't dirty, you just give it a quick wipe and let it air dry for next time.

I'd say just go with size 1 - unless you have a teeny baby, it'll be fine.

chickpea912

hampire said:

FYSA baby half off has pockets today for 11.50. https://babyhalfoff.com/mg-baby-pocket-diapers

Just a note... I'd be surprised if the "real" price for those diapers are $23.  I'm always leery of new brands that I've never heard of (and I won't get into how much I hate some of the language in their description, but that's probably just my problem and won't bother others too much).  If people want to try these, I'd try a couple, but maybe look around and see if you can get some reviews.  Diapers like FuzziBunz, Bumgenius, and Blueberry are well known and well reviewed.  Cheapie diapers from China get the side eye from me, and diapers I've never heard of who show up on half-off websites make me think they are marking up their regular selling price in order to get newbs to jump at a "good deal." 

Just my $0.02.

chickpea912

hampire said:

I do read reviews before purchasing things randomly off the internet. They were well reviewed on amazon and a few mom blogs. I've gotten a lot of nice stuff from this website but I see your point. Eta: and yes the price is probably not that high.

Good - I'm glad the reviews were good.  My comments weren't necessarily directed towards you, just a cautionary thing in general.  

chickpea912

Another PSA - it looks like Zulily has gDiapers coming up tomorrow.  FWIW, I've never used gDiapers, I haven't heard great things, but I know some people who swear by these and love them.  So it could be a good deal. 

If you don't have a Zulily account, here is a link (this has my referral link in it): https://www.zulily.com/invite/efrumkin447

Also, if you haven't tried ebates yet, you get money back for shopping online - you get a percentage back by shopping at Zulily by clicking through ebates first.  Here is a link to sign up for that: https://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=4GmtQnq0hrjA7GIHVInTqA==

(I'm obsessed with finding free money or money back on stuff I do anyway, so forgive this PSA - I love to spread the wealth - for example, I've saved $400 by shopping through ebates so far)

arekeweg

Question about diaper bags and cloth diapers.  I've read that many diaper bags are too small for cloth diapers.  Any suggestions on ones to look at and/or avoid?

chickpea912

I used a regular skip hop. Nothing special. It worked for us.

arekeweg

Anyone have experience with Charlie Banana? A local lady is selling her used ones for $5/each. She says they were only used for a couple months. Curious if they're worth looking at.

diagonalley

Anyone ever make their own with the patterns in the babyville book? Joanns sells the book and I am thinking of trying to make some of my own to cut down on cost.

chickpea912

arekeweg said:

Anyone have experience with Charlie Banana? A local lady is selling her used ones for $5/each. She says they were only used for a couple months. Curious if they're worth looking at.

I haven't used them but I haven't heard bad things.

arekeweg

Has anyone/is anyone making their own diaper/butt balm?  I've found quite a few recipes online but each one varies a bit (all of them at least have beeswax and coconut oil).  Anyone have a recipe they use?

Jaime5124

So for those of you who have already done it, what size stash should I have to get started?? From the nosing around I've done Bum Genius seems to hv the best reviews from moms, any other helpful hints or details would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

MNOpea

arekeweg said:

Has anyone/is anyone making their own diaper/butt balm?  I've found quite a few recipes online but each one varies a bit (all of them at least have beeswax and coconut oil).  Anyone have a recipe they use?

I just use plain coconut oil, it works great for us

chickpea912

Jaime5124 said:

So for those of you who have already done it, what size stash should I have to get started?? From the nosing around I've done Bum Genius seems to hv the best reviews from moms, any other helpful hints or details would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

@Jaime5124 It depends a bit on WHEN you are going to start.  If you're starting from birth, you'll need a newborn stash - likely 24-36ish diapers (to wash every 2-3 days - fewer if you plan to wash more frequently).  Once the baby hits 10-12ish pounds, you can switch to one size diapers, which will take you the rest of the way.  I'd suggest 20-30ish diapers, but you'll need fewer once they're older and need fewer changes during the day.

I typically recommend Bumgenius 4.0 pockets (or Freetime for those wanting an all-in-one option) or Blueberry Deluxe Pockets - they seem to work well for most people.  There are tons of different types, and you could always try a trial to get a sense of what works for YOU and for YOUR BABY.  Individual results with vary.

I've started a few articles on my blog to help with general concerns - link is below.  Feel free to check it out.

MNOpea said:

Has anyone/is anyone making their own diaper/butt balm?  I've found quite a few recipes online but each one varies a bit (all of them at least have beeswax and coconut oil).  Anyone have a recipe they use?

I just use plain coconut oil, it works great for us

I eventually just used plain coconut oil if I wasn't dealing with a crazy rash.  Otherwise I used CA Baby - never made my own aside from putting a big jar on the changing table.

rastrau

As several PP have said, I too will be cloth at home and disposable out and about - mostly because I don't want to haul soiled diapers around until we can get back home.

A lot of people scoff at cloth because they're thinking of the old school fold-it-up and try not to stab baby with the huge pin diapers. They're so different now. My older sister used BumGenius and FuzziBuns for all three of her boys and swears by them. I registered for a few of both brands to see if we/LO prefers one over the other, plus I have hand-me-downs from the nephews.

justme04

I'm cloth diapering this baby. We were apartment dwellers up until last summer and had scheduled laundry times which made my wanting to cloth diaper impossible. Now that we have a home and our own washer and dryer I'm excited to get to cloth diaper.

MrsRahl

Anyone have experience with blueberry brand?

chickpea912

MrsRahl said:

Anyone have experience with blueberry brand?

@MrsRahl - Yep.  I love Blueberry diapers - great diapers.  In fact, just three or posts up, it was one of the two brands I recommended.  Their velcro is the best out there (if you're looking to do velcro).  I'm in the process of picking up some nb diapers from them.

rastrau said:

As several PP have said, I too will be cloth at home and disposable out and about - mostly because I don't want to haul soiled diapers around until we can get back home.

A lot of people scoff at cloth because they're thinking of the old school fold-it-up and try not to stab baby with the huge pin diapers. They're so different now. My older sister used BumGenius and FuzziBuns for all three of her boys and swears by them. I registered for a few of both brands to see if we/LO prefers one over the other, plus I have hand-me-downs from the nephews.

@rastrau - Do whatever you feel comfortable with, but it's honestly no biggie using cloth out and about.  And depending on your reasons for using cloth, it might not make a ton of sense to use disposable diapers.

elsa1688

@chickpea912‌ I love you! Thanks for all the great advice!! Sorry if this was answered, I didn't see it.

I bought some AIO that came with instructions to wash 5 times to prep them. Done. I got some pocket diapers (with inserts) and extra inserts off Zulily. No instructions. Should I prep them the same way?

whoberry

Cotton babies has bumgenius diapers on sale today.  Click here

MNOpea

elsa1688 said:

@chickpea912‌ I love you! Thanks for all the great advice!! Sorry if this was answered, I didn't see it.

I bought some AIO that came with instructions to wash 5 times to prep them. Done. I got some pocket diapers (with inserts) and extra inserts off Zulily. No instructions. Should I prep them the same way?

I'm obviously not chickpea but the diapers themselves will only need to be washed then tried on low/medium or hung to dry. If the inserts are natural fibers they will need to be washed and dried several times to prep them, if they are microfiber or other synthetic fibers you'll just need to wash and dry them once

elsa1688

@MNOpea‌ I'm pretty sure they are cotton inserts. Do you think 5 washes would work?

MNOpea

5 will probably be fine. I think most natural fibers reach maximum absorbency after 8-10 washes though?